17 Tower-O-Rings from The Works
Twelve hot, golden, deep-fried onion rings come stacked around a metal spike and are served with a choice of 12 dips — from chipotle mayo to garlicky beachhouse to smoky barbecue. They are a favoured preamble to the meaty and fried experience that is dining at The Works. Every bite feels wicked. But who cares? Don’t tell your cardiologist; just enjoy the perfect rings that stay put when you bite into them — no hot onion sliding out at first bite — and meet every craving for fried, salty goodness. $9.41. The Works, 326 Richmond Rd., 613-564-0406, and four other locations, www.worksburger.com.

22 Sweet potato and cinnamon bread
Alongside the traditional Ethiopian sandwiches and snacks that have become a fixture at several area markets are pint-sized dense and delicious loaves of sweet potato bread swirled with cinnamon and raisins. Those who have tried it sliced, toasted, and buttered tend to buy bunches each week. $4. True Food Ecostere, year-round Ottawa Organics Market, Ottawa Farmers’ Market, and Main Street Market.

24 Rustic, hand-formed miniature pies
The perfect size for two to share or one to splurge! The bakers at Savoury Pursuits create flaky pastry from scratch to enclose all manner of juicy fruit fillings. Try the strawberry-rhubarb, blackberry, or blueberry. Pop them into the freezer to have on hand for impromptu dinner guests. $2 each or six pies for $10. Ottawa Farmers’ Market at Lansdowne Park and the Carp Farmers Market. www.savourypursuits.com.

25 Heritage tomatoes
A cacophony of tomato colours: Costuloto Genovese are Italian, red, and deeply ribbed; Zebras are green with pale stripes; and the tiny Chocolate Cherries come in ruddy brown. All organic. $4/lb. Ferme Orient stand at the Byward Market on York St., 613-488-2097.

26 Christophe’s organic mushrooms
All the top chefs use the moniker “Christophe” to signal their not-so-secret local celebrity source for fresh exotic fungi from Le Coprin farm in Farrelton, Quebec. Varieties include the meaty and delicious king eryngii, blue oysters, marvellous morels, and flame-coloured chanterelles. Ottawa Farmers’ Market at Lansdowne Park. For other locations, check www.lecoprin.ca.

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